purr

1 of 2

noun

: a low vibratory murmur typical of an apparently contented or pleased cat

purr

2 of 2

verb

purred; purring; purrs

intransitive verb

1
: to make a purr or a sound like a purr
cars purring along the highway
2
a
: to speak in a manner that resembles a purr
b
: to speak in a malicious catty manner
purringly adverb

Examples of purr in a Sentence

Noun the soft purr of a car engine listened to the reassuring purr of the car engine Verb The cat was purring contentedly in my lap. The cars were purring along the highway. “You look tense. Let me buy you a drink,” he purred.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Evan Engram produces the franchise’s best season by a tight end since Julius Thomas in 2013 and 2014. Future Hall of Famer Drew Brees made Payton’s offenses purr in New Orleans. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025 Washington delivers the dialogue with a thrilling range from purrs to roars, all imbued with an authoritative swagger. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
So Hicks would hop in his truck and turn the ignition, coating Dobbins’ cuts in the soft glow of purring Ford F-150 headlights. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025 The most understated player on this list, Fabian Ruiz is another midfielder who makes PSG purr. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for purr

Word History

Etymology

Noun

imitative

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1616, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purr was circa 1616

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Cite this Entry

“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purr. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

purr

noun
ˈpər
: a low murmuring sound of a contented cat
purr verb

More from Merriam-Webster on purr

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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